NCJ Number
131711
Date Published
Unknown
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A new typology of crime prevention projects is presented that defines crime prevention as the total of all private and government policies, other than the enforcement of criminal law, that aim to reduce damage caused by criminal acts.
Abstract
This definition covers fear reduction programs, victim assistance policies, and crime prevention activities of the police. Excluded from the definition are the investigation and prosecution of crimes, sentencing, and the execution of conventional punishments. The typology of crime prevention projects is based on offender-oriented prevention, situational prevention, and victim-oriented prevention. Offender-oriented crime prevention can be targeted at the public at large, problem youth, and actual offenders. Situational crime prevention can target improved security in houses and buildings. Victim-oriented prevention can be targeted at the public at large, high-risk groups, and actual victims. It is recommended that each crime prevention project start with a detailed inventory of the crime problem at issue. Victimization surveys and self-report delinquency studies are indispensable for such an assessment. Each crime problem requires a unique mix of interventions specified in the typology. An extensive review of crime prevention literature is included. 2 figures